Preview — Enemy Territory
by Sharon E. McKay

Enemy Territory

Sam, an Israeli teen whose leg may have to be amputated, and Yusuf, a Palestinian teen who has lost his left eye, find themselves uneasy roommates in a Jerusalem hospital. One night, the boys decide to slip away while the nurses aren't looking and go on an adventure to the Old City.

The escapade turns dangerous when th"Trained to hate, two boys discover friendship instead."

Sam, an Israeli teen whose leg may have to be amputated, and Yusuf, a Palestinian teen who has lost his left eye, find themselves uneasy roommates in a Jerusalem hospital. One night, the boys decide to slip away while the nurses aren't looking and go on an adventure to the Old City.

The escapade turns dangerous when they realize they're hopelessly lost. As they navigate the dark city--one of them limping and the other half-blind--their suspicions of each other are diverted. They band together to find their way home and to defend themselves against unfriendly locals, arrest by the military police, and an encounter with a deadly desert snake. The boys' attempts to understand each other and the politics that divide them mirror the longstanding conflict in the Middle East.

This powerful story, touched with humor, demonstrates how individual friendships and experiences can triumph over enormous cultural and political differences and lead to understanding and compassion....more

Initial reaction: Wow, this book was very good. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did, and I thought it was a very realistic, eye-opening look at two boys with rooted prejudices that learn to become friends over some rather tough events. The story itself is quite character focused and I personally love these kinds of stories, but what really hit home with me was how well McKay touches on the divisions and assumptions between groups without forcing the ideals down the throat of the reader.Initial reaction: Wow, this book was very good. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did, and I thought it was a very realistic, eye-opening look at two boys with rooted prejudices that learn to become friends over some rather tough events. The story itself is quite character focused and I personally love these kinds of stories, but what really hit home with me was how well McKay touches on the divisions and assumptions between groups without forcing the ideals down the throat of the reader. I need to mull over my thoughts with it a little longer, but I seriously think it's one that many young adults (and even beyond that group) should read.

Full review:

Sharon E. McKay's "Enemy Territory" proved a quick, but powerful reading experience for me personally. In reading quite a few novels as of late having to do with prejudices, the division between groups, and stereotypes regarding those groups, I have to say McKay's effort really managed to illustrate the heart of its portrayal in a sensitive and illuminating way, even in its brevity. It's not an easy read for comfort if you're aware of the intimacy of these conflicts and how deep they run, but the portrayal here is very well drawn and there are appropriate occasions where the characters knock these misconceptions down and make you think about the way they come across.

The story depicts two boys - Yusuf, a Palestinian teen, and Sam, an Israeli teen, who both end up in the hospital with significant injuries and clash almost at the moment that they meet each other. Each has a fair degree of biases and misconceptions about the other, and they're not afraid to make their heated contentions known. However, as the two spend more time with each other and have a coming to terms, they form a bond that gradually develops into acceptance, and ultimately friendship as they take on a brief journey that gets them lost in the heart of the city and among a few dangerous encounters.

I really appreciated the combination of humor and character insight McKay gave in this story. It's detailed enough to provide a clear essence to the characters and the backdrop of the story, but flows smoothly enough to be a quick read for anyone picking it up. I didn't see some of the illuminations this tale had to provide until they hit, and a few times it either made me laugh or made me think about the way an event occurred that didn't come across the first time around. Yusuf and Sam both became characters I identified well within the spectrum of the story, and I understood their contentions and inner conflicts long after it ended. I think the only part of this story that left me wanting a little more was the ending, not because it didn't tie up the loose ends it established, but because of the slight narrative jump that felt a little quick to me in comparison to the rest of the story. Still, that was a minor nitpick compared to the way this tale immersed me and didn't release until the end. I enjoyed the journey, the illumination, and the insight McKay provided in this novel, and I would certainly recommend it not only to those who are in its respective audience group (young adult), but also beyond that and to anyone who wants a solid story of friendship, coming of age, and breaking past the prejudices that exist in our society.

Overall score: 4/5

Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Annick Press....more

ENEMY TERRITORY by Sharon E. McKay artfully presents man's struggle to identify with other cultures and recognize that despite our differences, we are the same. In choosing two cultures that have historically been at odds, McKay illustrates her point and hopefully leaves readers with a lot to think about.

Sam is Jewish and lives in Israel. Yusuf is a Palestinian teen currently in a Jerusalem hospital for complications from an eye injury. The two become uncomfortable roommates. The tension is obviENEMY TERRITORY by Sharon E. McKay artfully presents man's struggle to identify with other cultures and recognize that despite our differences, we are the same. In choosing two cultures that have historically been at odds, McKay illustrates her point and hopefully leaves readers with a lot to think about.

Sam is Jewish and lives in Israel. Yusuf is a Palestinian teen currently in a Jerusalem hospital for complications from an eye injury. The two become uncomfortable roommates. The tension is obvious as each boy attempts to visit with relatives the day before they undergo their procedures.

What follows is an unlikely friendship between the two teens. Both confused by the misconceptions each have of the other's culture, their communication begins with taunts and jabs. However, when they decide to sneak out of the hospital to go to a well-known candy store in the Old City, they each experience the true nature of their people. Once revealed, this provides a fresh outlook that should be inspiration for all of us to set aside our differences and accept people for who they are, not simply for where they live....more

In a war you are taught that the enemy is the bad guy and you have to hate the people on the other side. But sometimes in a war there are no good and bad, death is part of it and the pain and suffering touches all the members in the conflict.

Enemy Territory is a beautiful story about fear, hate, hope and above all humanity. It helps us see how we create demons with the faces of our enemies forgetting that we have the same essence. We are all people who hurt, cry, laugh, dream and love.

Sam, an IsIn a war you are taught that the enemy is the bad guy and you have to hate the people on the other side. But sometimes in a war there are no good and bad, death is part of it and the pain and suffering touches all the members in the conflict.

Enemy Territory is a beautiful story about fear, hate, hope and above all humanity. It helps us see how we create demons with the faces of our enemies forgetting that we have the same essence. We are all people who hurt, cry, laugh, dream and love.

Sam, an Israeli boy, and Yusuf, a Palestinian, meet in a hospital after both are injured in different accidents. At first their prejudices will keep them apart but once they start communicate they will discover a great friendship. When they set on an adventure through the Old city of Jerusalem, the paths will take them to unexpected places.

Sam and Yusuf will learn that despite all their differences they are equals in many ways. Between discussion and fights, stereotypes, misconceptions, myths and wrong ideas will be put over the table.

The descriptions are excellent as well as the dialogues. The action and movement are perfect so is easy to get into the story and feel in your own skin the feelings and motivations behind the characters’ actions. The author creates tridimensional characters, which are likeable and human. With flaws and all they become heroes in their own lives.

A great book that shows a current topic that touch us all no matter what part of the planet we live in. This is an ancient conflict with so many consequences and no solution at sight.

Overall, Enemy Territory is an excellent book. Ideal for all ages because is a good way to learn while enjoying a fantastic story.

*** I received a copy from the publisher in exchange of an honest review. ***...more

Given the complexity of the topic, it's perhaps not surprising that there's not a plethora of novels for young people on the Israeli-Palistinian conflict. It's a topic that ignites fires of passion on both sides, and what a challenge for a novelist to try to present a balanced point of view in a book for young people.

I was very impressed with Sharon McKay's take on this topic. She presents us with two teenaged boys, one Jewish Israeli and one Palestinian, who are thrown together as roommates inGiven the complexity of the topic, it's perhaps not surprising that there's not a plethora of novels for young people on the Israeli-Palistinian conflict. It's a topic that ignites fires of passion on both sides, and what a challenge for a novelist to try to present a balanced point of view in a book for young people.

I was very impressed with Sharon McKay's take on this topic. She presents us with two teenaged boys, one Jewish Israeli and one Palestinian, who are thrown together as roommates in a Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem. Both have suffered grievous injuries; Sam, our Israeli teen, has a seriously injured leg and may face amputation, and Yusef, our Palestinian, has lost an eye and may lose his other eye as well. Both have their own extreme prejudices, indeed, we could say hatred, of the other side. But when they decide to escape from the hospital to go on an innocent errand--a trip to a famous candy shop in Old Jerusalem, they get lost and are quickly in more trouble--and danger--than they could have imagined. Can they work together to find their way back?

McKay does an admirable job of using Yusef and Sam as spokespeople for each side of the conflict, and we see through these two boys the misperceptions and fear each side has of the other. Their frustration with the other's point of view even makes them come to blows at one point in the novel. McKay takes no particular point of view, but tries to show the commonalities between the two groups as well as the differences. While the "happy" ending may be a bit pat, I would recommend this novel to young people who want to get a better understanding of the emotions behind the long-ranging Middle East conflict. Back matter includes notes which define certain terms which are used in the novel.

This novel has received numerous awards, including the 2013 Helen and Stan Vine Canadian Jewish Book Award....more

Enemy Territory follows two boys, one Muslim, one Jewish, who find themselves in the same precarious situation by chance. Even though society dictates that they be enemies, something even they believed at first, Yusuf and Sam soon realize that there's more to each other than what they first thought, and that hatred is not the solution to anything.

This book was very heartwarming even if a little predictable in where it was going. Their friendship was very realistic which I liked. There isn't oneEnemy Territory follows two boys, one Muslim, one Jewish, who find themselves in the same precarious situation by chance. Even though society dictates that they be enemies, something even they believed at first, Yusuf and Sam soon realize that there's more to each other than what they first thought, and that hatred is not the solution to anything.

This book was very heartwarming even if a little predictable in where it was going. Their friendship was very realistic which I liked. There isn't one specific moment when they become friends; on the contrary, it happens gradually as they realize how they depend on each other and how much the other differed from his expectations. At first there's some hostility when they share a room at the hospital. I found Sam's actions a little immature at first so he wasn't very likeable. I liked Yusuf more. But they both mature and help each other throughout the book.

It was also cool seeing more of the boy's personal backgrounds. In the beginning of the book, you could see the differet environments at home with their family. In the hospital room during visits, you could also see how the families were polite but reserved to each other, and how they acted differently around each other. Later in the book, it was implied by Alina that the families have somewhat come together in looking for Sam and Yusuf.

I really liked Alina. She symbolized hope that there would be tolerance and love. She is the voice of reason, the voice of acceptance. At first, she is sick and weak from cancer but by the end of the book, she is cured. That was a nice touch.

I wish the book was a little more realistic though. Sam and Yusuf did not get lost accidentally, it seemed like they were acting stupid on purpose. It was a little annoying to see them make dumb decisions that any person would common sense would know was the wrong choice. There shoud have been more elaboration in some parts of the book. Some parts seemed very insignificant because of the way details were just skimmed over.

I liked the extra historical bits in the book. I did some research on Palestine and the Arabs after finishing the book and I really learned a lot. This book will definitely spark discussion.

Overall, a solid book about tolerance and friendship. I would give it a 3 out of 5. ...more

Sam is a Jewish Israeli teen, Yusuf is a Muslim Palestinian teen. They both end up in the same hospital in Jerusalem where they are very suspicious of each other's differences. However, they sneak out one night to explore Old Town. They get lost and end up relying heavily on each other to survive despite hostilities about their differing beliefs and backgrounds.

A fascinating look at the situation in the Middle East. A fast read also. HIghly recommend for reluctant boy readers - or anyone who wanSam is a Jewish Israeli teen, Yusuf is a Muslim Palestinian teen. They both end up in the same hospital in Jerusalem where they are very suspicious of each other's differences. However, they sneak out one night to explore Old Town. They get lost and end up relying heavily on each other to survive despite hostilities about their differing beliefs and backgrounds.

A fascinating look at the situation in the Middle East. A fast read also. HIghly recommend for reluctant boy readers - or anyone who wants insight to what's going on and how people live and react in the Middle East right now....more

This reminds me of Sting's song "Russians," applied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. How does a generation without direct connection to the roots of a multi-generational conflict choose to be in the world? Can both sides create a fresh slate, or are they doomed to perpetuate the conflict, inflicting fresh wounds to renew old grudges? Take "Russians," add in the Oscar-nominated documentary 5 Broken Cameras and pour into an After Hours mold, and voila!

Sam and Yusuf become friends even though one is Jewish and the other Muslim. They leave the hospital to get some candy for Alina and then they learn what it is like to live in each others skin. A good friendship is built but what makes this book standout in such a tragic world the boys still have a sense of humour.

An Israeli boy, Sam, and a Palestinian boy, Yusuf, are hospitalized at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. Sam has an injured leg that may have to be amputated. Yusuf has lost an eye and his other one has become infected. Both are fourteen years old and are hospital roommates. Review By: Alec Hruby

Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award: Fiction 2002 – Charlie Wilcox – WinnerSharon E. McKay was born in 1954 in Montreal, Quebec, and earned a B.A. from York University in 1978. She lives in Kilbride, Ontario.